Manager Waiting On Spearing

Jay Spearing doubtful for Saturday's match at Hillsborough

Owen Coyle says he will wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether Jay Spearing will be fit enough to play a part against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

The on-loan Liverpool man was forced from the field after just 16 minutes at St Andrew’s on Tuesday evening with a calf problem.

Speaking at his press conference at Euxton, Coyle said: “Jay Spearing is a huge concern because he came off so early in the game. His calf had tightened up and he wasn’t able to get about the pitch the way he would have liked.

“He will be a big doubt for Saturday but we will give him every chance. He has felt slightly better today (Thursday) and we will wait to see how that progresses.

“The good news is that he had a scan and it showed that there was no major tear. There was just a bit of swelling and hopefully that will get better.

“We have got two days until Saturday so we will have a look at it.”

Keith Andrews started Tuesday evening’s fixture from the bench but was thrust into the action to replace Spearing in a like-for-like change in central midfield.

Coyle continued: “Keith had the injection into the Achilles during the international break, and I have to say that I thought he did well the other night.

“It looks as though that is now settling down, which is good because we know there is a lot more to come from Keith.

“There will be the bumps and bruises from Tuesday but the rest of the squad should be fit and available.”

Coyle also commented on the condition of David Ngog who now has two one-hour outings under his belt since returning from a back injury that ruled him out of the opening month of the season.

“David has done well in the two matches and what we have tried to do is gradually build him up, game by game,” explained Coyle.

“He had 60 minutes against Watford and it was similar the other night, so we are hopeful that he is soon able to go and play the duration of a match.

“It’s terrific to have him back in the squad and its players like him that can make a difference.”